You are looking for the Country Tavern Barbecue Menu with Prices, and you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every item, from the famous sausage to the hearty sides, so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in the door. We will cover the current costs, portion sizes, and the best ways to save money on your next visit to this legendary Texas pit stop.
Country Tavern in Kilgore, Texas, has been serving up smoked meats since 1949. It is a roadside institution that draws crowds from all over East Texas and beyond. The menu is straightforward, focusing on what they do best, which is barbecue done right over hickory wood.
Country Tavern Barbecue Menu With Prices
Below you will find the full breakdown of the current offerings. Please keep in mind that prices can shift slightly with market costs, but this list reflects the most recent standard pricing. The menu is split into meats, plates, sandwiches, and sides.
Signature Meats And Plates
The star of the show here is the smoked sausage, which is made in-house using a secret family recipe. You can order it by the link or as part of a larger plate. The beef and pork are also smoked low and slow for up to 14 hours.
- Regular Sausage Plate: Comes with two links, two sides, and a slice of bread. This is the classic order for first-timers. Price: $12.95
- Jumbo Sausage Plate: Three large links with two sides and bread. Perfect for a big appetite. Price: $15.95
- Beef Plate: Sliced brisket, two sides, and bread. The brisket is tender and has a heavy smoke ring. Price: $16.95
- Pork Plate: Pulled pork shoulder, two sides, and bread. Price: $14.95
- Chicken Plate: Half a smoked chicken, two sides, and bread. Price: $13.95
- Rib Plate: A half-rack of pork ribs, two sides, and bread. Price: $17.95
If you are eating with a group, you should look at the family packs. They are the best value on the menu and save you a few dollars compared to ordering individual plates.
- Family Pack for Two: Includes one pound of meat (your choice), two large sides, and four slices of bread. Price: $24.95
- Family Pack for Four: Includes two pounds of meat, three large sides, and eight slices of bread. Price: $45.95
- The Big Spread: This feeds six to eight people. It comes with three pounds of mixed meat, four quarts of sides, and a dozen slices of bread. Price: $89.95
Sandwiches And Single Servings
For a lighter meal or a quick lunch, the sandwich options are solid. They do not skimp on the meat here. Each sandwich comes with pickles, onions, and your choice of one small side.
- Sausage Sandwich: One link sliced on a toasted bun. Price: $8.95
- Beef Sandwich: A generous pile of sliced brisket on a bun. Price: $9.95
- Pork Sandwich: Pulled pork piled high. Price: $8.95
- Chicken Sandwich: Smoked chicken breast on a bun. Price: $8.95
- Chopped Beef Sandwich: Finely chopped brisket mixed with a bit of sauce. Price: $9.95
You can also order meat by the pound if you are taking it home. This is a popular option for weekend cookouts or for folks who live out of town and want to freeze some for later.
- Sausage by the pound: Price: $9.95
- Beef by the pound: Price: $14.95
- Pork by the pound: Price: $11.95
- Ribs by the pound: Price: $13.95
Sides And Extras
The sides are made from scratch daily. You get to pick two with your plate, and they are served in small styrofoam cups. The portions are decent, but not huge, so if you are really hungry, consider upgrading to a large side for an extra charge.
- Potato Salad: Classic mustard-based with a bit of crunch. Price: $1.95 (small) / $3.95 (large)
- Cole Slaw: Creamy and tangy, good for cutting through the fat of the meat. Price: $1.95 (small) / $3.95 (large)
- Baked Beans: These have chunks of brisket in them. They are smoky and sweet. Price: $2.25 (small) / $4.25 (large)
- French Fries: Standard crinkle-cut fries. Price: $2.25 (small) / $4.25 (large)
- Jalapeno Corn: A bit spicy and very buttery. Price: $2.25 (small) / $4.25 (large)
- Green Beans: Cooked with bacon and onion. Price: $2.25 (small) / $4.25 (large)
Extra bread is available for 50 cents per slice. You can also buy their famous barbecue sauce by the bottle to take home. It is a vinegar-based sauce with a serious kick. A 16-ounce bottle costs $5.95.
Desserts And Drinks
Save room for dessert because the cobbler here is worth the extra calories. It is baked fresh every morning and served warm.
- Peach Cobbler: Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Price: $4.95
- Blackberry Cobbler: Seasonal, but usually available in the summer. Price: $4.95
- Soft Drinks: Coke products, sweet tea, and unsweet tea. Price: $2.50 (refills free)
- Bottled Water: Price: $1.95
- Beer: They have a limited selection of domestic bottles and cans. Price: $3.50 – $5.00
How To Order Efficiently
The line can get long during peak hours, especially on weekends. The staff moves fast, but you need to know what you want before you reach the counter. Here is the best way to handle your order.
- Decide on your meat first. If you are unsure, ask for a sample of the sausage. They are usually happy to give you a small slice to try.
- Pick your two sides. Do not wait until you are at the register to look at the options.
- Tell the cashier if you want your sauce on the side or on the meat. If you do not specify, they will put it on the side.
- Grab your drink from the cooler while they are packing your order.
- Pay and move to the condiment station to grab extra pickles and onions.
There is no table service. You order at the counter, and they call your name when it is ready. The seating area is large, but it fills up fast. If you are eating in, try to grab a table before you order, especially if you are with a group.
Tips For Visiting
Here are a few practical things to keep in mind that will make your trip smoother. These are the little details that regulars know but visitors often miss.
- Cash is king, but they do accept credit cards. There is a small surcharge for card payments, so bring cash if you want to avoid it.
- The parking lot is gravel and can get muddy when it rains. Wear appropriate shoes.
- They close early on Sundays, usually around 3 PM. Check the hours before you drive out there.
- There is a small gift shop near the entrance selling t-shirts and hats. It is worth a look if you want a souvenir.
- If you are getting your order to go, ask for the sauce packets separately. They will give you a handful for free.
The atmosphere is very casual. You will see people in business suits sitting next to folks in hunting gear. Everyone is there for the same reason, and that is the food. The service is fast, but the staff can be a bit gruff if you are not ready to order. Do not take it personally; they are just busy.
Comparing Value And Portions
When you look at the Country Tavern Barbecue Menu with Prices, you might notice that the prices are slightly higher than some chain barbecue joints. However, the quality and portion sizes justify the cost. The sausage links are thick and filling, and the beef plate comes with a generous amount of meat.
For the average eater, a single plate is more than enough food. If you are sharing, the Family Pack for Two is a smart choice. It gives you a good mix of meat and sides without the waste. The sides are served in smaller cups than you might expect, but the main protein is the real focus here.
I have been to Country Tavern many times over the years. The consistency is remarkable. The sausage always has that same snap when you bite into it, and the smoke flavor is present but not overpowering. The beef is usually moist, though it can occasionally be a bit dry if you get the lean end. Ask for the moist cut if you prefer fattier brisket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions that people have before they visit. This should clear up any confusion about how the ordering process works and what to expect.
What Is The Most Popular Item On The Menu?
The smoked sausage is the most famous item. It is made in-house and has a unique texture and flavor that you cannot find anywhere else. Most first-time visitors order the Regular Sausage Plate.
Does The Restaurant Offer Gluten-Free Options?
The meat itself is gluten-free, but the sausage may contain fillers. The sides like potato salad and coleslaw are generally safe, but the bread and desserts contain gluten. It is best to ask the staff about specific ingredients if you have a severe allergy.
Are There Any Discounts For Children Or Seniors?
There are no official discounts listed on the menu. However, they do offer smaller portions for kids, which are priced lower. You can ask for a half-order of a sandwich for a child, and they will usually accommodate you.
Can I Order A Half Link Of Sausage?
Yes, you can order a single link of sausage as a side item. It costs around $4.95. This is a good option if you just want a snack or if you are adding extra meat to a sandwich.
Is The Barbecue Sauce Very Spicy?
The sauce has a moderate heat level. It is vinegar-based with a good amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes. It is tangy and spicy, but it is not a mouth-burner. If you are sensitive to spice, use it sparingly at first.
The restaurant is located at 1401 US-259, Kilgore, TX 75662. It is about 10 minutes south of Longview. If you are driving from out of town, it is worth the trip. The building looks like an old country store from the outside, and the inside is decorated with Texas memorabilia and old photos. It has a lot of character.
One thing to note is that they do not take reservations. It is strictly first-come, first-served. During peak lunch hours on weekdays, the line can move quickly, but it is not uncommon to wait 15 to 20 minutes. The wait is part of the experience, and most people agree that it is worth it.
If you are planning a large event or a corporate gathering, they do offer catering. You can call ahead and order trays of meat and sides. The catering menu is slightly different from the in-house menu, so you will need to speak with a manager to get a quote. They are usually very responsive and can handle orders for 20 to 200 people.
I hope this breakdown of the Country Tavern Barbecue Menu with Prices helps you plan your visit. The food is honest, hearty, and full of flavor. It is the kind of place that reminds you why Texas barbecue is famous around the world. Go hungry, bring cash, and be ready to eat some of the best sausage you have ever had.
Remember to check the daily specials board when you walk in. Sometimes they have a limited-time offering like smoked turkey or brisket tacos. These specials are not always listed on the printed menu, but they are worth trying if they are available. The prices for specials vary, so ask the cashier for the current cost.
Overall, you are getting a solid deal for the quality of the food. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the atmosphere is uniquely Texan. Whether you are a local or just passing through on Interstate 20, make the stop. You will not be disappointed with the experience.